President Jacob Zuma has arrived in Sanya, Hainan Island in China, where South Africa will be participating in the Brics Leaders Summit as a member for the first time

"It is a historic moment for South Africa. We look forward to using this relationship to further advance our agenda of creating jobs, as announced in the State of the Nation Address in February," said Zuma on arrival in Sanya.

"The mechanism will also contribute immensely in the advancement of other priorities domestically and internationally, especially in the peace and security and development arenas."

The Presidency said discussions at the summit will centre on strengthening economic and trade cooperation amongst Brics members. South Africa anticipates economic and political benefits from the membership of Brics, for both the country and the continent.

The changing global environment has seen a greater political and economic role for the Brics and other emerging powers. By 2020, the Brics countries are expected to contribute nearly half of all global GDP growth, according to the Presidency.

Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Minister of Trade and Industry, Rob Davies, Minister of Economic Development, Ebrahim Patel and the Deputy Minister of Finance Nhlanhla Nene will also be attending the summit. BuaNews